Improvement in corsets



R. W. GRAY.

Corset.

No. 218,257. Patented Aug. 5, 1879.

Wih'l E 5 5 E 5 n. PETERS, PHDTO-LITHOGHAPHER. WAsmmsron UNITED STATES PATENT Orr-ion.

ROBERT W. GRAY, OF DEDHAM, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF HIS RIGHT TO GEORGE FROST, GEORGE H. PHELPS, AND GEORGE A. FROST, OF BOS- TON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN CORSETS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No.

218,257, dated August 5, 1879; application filed May 7, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROBERT W. GRAY, of Dedham, county of Norfolk, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Corsets, of which the following description, in

connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification.

This invention relates to corsets with abdominal supporters.

The invention consists in a corset provided with slashes, incisions, or cuts in its sides, and, extending from the upper ends of such cuts, a front portion, adapted to yield freely, so as to rest upon and conform itself to the upper portion of the abdomen, substantially as hereinafter specified.

It is well-known that corsets are extended downward at front to form abdominal supporters; bnt such corsets, while they sustain the abdomen at its lower side, also press downward upon the upper side of the abdomen, thereby subjecting the bowels to considerable pressure, which results in numerous diseases known and understood by physicians.

I11 this, my corset, the abdomen is supported from below, holding it up in proper position, and there is, essentially, no pressure upon the upper part of the abdomen, as the provided corset fits the body only from above the hips.

Figure 1 represents, in front elevation, a corset and abdominal supporter embodying my invention, Fig. 2, a side elevation thereof; and Fig. 3, a side elevation of the body of the corset with the supporter detached.

The corset-body A and its breast-covering portions may be cut and shaped, except as in the particulars hereinafter described, after any usual pattern, and be of any usual material. Instead of having the front and back of the corset-body A connected at its lower end, as in a common corset, I shape the front of the body as shown in the drawings, wherein it will be observed that the lower front edge is cut or slashed at b, in front of the hips, or the usual hip-gore, if one be used, and that the extreme front or steel-receiving pieces, d, and the pieces e are rounded at bottom, leaving a freely-yielding lower end, a, (see Figs. 3 and 1,) which will bear upon the abdomen,

at its upper portion, without any material pressure or other pressure than that produced by the stiffness of the usual steels and the whalebone or other stiffening in the pieces 01 e.

The abdominal supporter B is herein shown as composed of pieces 1 2 3 4 5 cutand united together, to enable the supporter to fit the rotundity of the abdomen at its lower side, and properly stifiened by whalebone or otherwise. This supporte may have the pieces composing it shape otherwise than in the drawings, so long as the same effect is obtained. At each end the supporter is, by means of straps f and buckles g or other fastenings, adjustably connected with the corset, so that the strain required to support the abdomen will come upon the back of the wearer of the corset. In this instance of my invention the straps f are attached to the body A of the corset at the side seam h, joining the front and back, as shown in the drawings.

I am aware that a corset has been slashed at its lower end and made adjustable by lacingstrings, so as to be fitted to the body of the wearer; but in this, my corset, the front of the corset, at its lower end, is free to yield and conform itself to the abdomen, and to slide over and past the top of the supporter as the body of the wearer is bent, and moving over the upper edge of the abdomen. I am enabled to make the lower end, 0, of the corset effectual in preventing the supporter from rising upon the abdomen above the position in which it is adjusted and where it should rest. This is a most desirable feature in connection with my invention.

It is well known that much difficulty is always experienced in holding abdominal belts or supporters in correct position upon the abdomen.

I claim 1. A corset provided with slashed sides, in combination with a freely-yielding front portion, constructed as described, to rest upon and conform itself to the abdomen, substantially as specified.

2. A corset having slashed sides and a freely-yielding front portion, constructed as described, in combination with an independent abdominal supporter adapted to hold up the lower part of the abdomen, substantially as and for the purpose speoitied.

3. The abdominal supporter B, adjustably connected at its ends with the corset-body, at or near its side seams, to support the abdomen from the back of the corset, combined with a corset-body having a freelyyielding rounded frontend 0,to adjust itself upon the supporter in accordance with the movement of the body, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ROBERT \V. GRAY.

Witnesses:

G. W. lREGORY, N. E. VVHI'INEY. 

